Vertical dramas are no longer an experiment — they’re becoming a real business.

In this episode of Next TMT Talks, hosts David Bloom and Daniel Frankel sit down with Dana Posyschak, a writer, director, producer, and founder of the LA Vertical Drama Market, to break down why short, vertical storytelling is exploding across Hollywood.

From low-cost production to new monetization models, this conversation explores how vertical dramas are reshaping content creation, talent pipelines, and studio strategy — and why this moment feels like a gold rush.

Topics covered:

• Why vertical dramas are gaining traction in Hollywood

• How this market differs from Quibi — and why it’s working

• Monetization models: subscriptions, coins, and in-app purchases

• SAG-AFTRA’s new contract for low-budget vertical productions

• How creators use verticals as a testing ground for IP

• Budget realities, crew sizes, and production economics

• The influence of Chinese vertical drama models vs. U.S. filmmaking

• What comes next for studios, apps, and independent creators

Next TMT Talks delivers smart conversations at the intersection of media, technology, telecom, and entertainment economics.

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00:00 The Rise of Vertical Dramas

02:32 Monetization and Market Dynamics

05:01 Cultural Differences in Content Creation

07:54 The Evolution of Vertical Dramas

10:24 Production Insights and Budgeting

12:39 The Future of Vertical Dramas

15:02 Industry Reactions and Cultural Commentary

22:53 Global Expansion of Sports and Entertainment

25:48 Market Dynamics and Antitrust Issues

28:03 The Murdoch Media Empire

33:44 Disney's Strategic Moves in Gaming

39:23 Challenges in the Data Center Market

44:39 Skepticism Towards Elon Musk's Ambitions